Piston Clocks

Made 3 of these desk clocks for some good gear-head work buddies last Christmas, and just got around to getting some pictures of them (I forgot to take some before they were gift-wrapped). Pistons were turned on the lathe from a fallen Ash branch from my yard. The ring grooves are burned in with a wire and the piston skirts were shaped on the end of the belt sander. Connecting rods are some leftover Walnut scrap and have dowels for wrist pins (though they are glued and do not articulate). Clocks are from Rockler. Pistons are approximately 4” bore like a Chevy small block.

These were a) really fun to build, and b) really frustrating to build. 5 or 6 pistons went to heating my living room over the winter, but it was worth it – the guys loved them.

Thanks for looking, and all comments good or bad are appreciated.

Cheers,Tom

-- “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” Pablo Picasso

A very original idea and well done. I taught mechanics for at least 30 years, so it really appeals to me. Thinking I could just use a real one and make a wood insert and clock. It would be less flusterating for sure.